Walmart is giving raises to thousands of employees in the company’s Health and Wellness roles. Pharmacists’ annual salaries will increase to $140,000 a year not including incentives and bonuses. Around 3,700 Walmart pharmacists will be getting this raise.
“As our Health and Wellness business continues to grow, we’re serious about being an employer of choice for the talented individuals in these fields. That’s why we’re proud to invest in pay raises for thousands of pharmacists and opticians in stores across the country.”
The company also announced it will be issuing pay increases of $22.50 an hour for over 4,000 opticians as well. Walmart will launch a new Optician Development Program to fully sponsor certification from the Optical Training Institute.
In an announcement last week, Walmart said:
“This program will help our vision associates access higher-paying roles and more career opportunities by obtaining nationally recognized certification and licensure from the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners as they continue to help patients see better to live better.”
In June of 2022, Walmart gave 36,000 increased pharmacy technicians’ pay to over $20 an hour in addition to offering eligible employees up to $4 an hour more in raises over the next four years. Walmart also adjusted its pharmacy and vision center hours as well as paid for pharmacy technician certification to help employees get a career-centered experience in the retail world.
“Simply put, our pharmacy technicians are heroes in their communities. They also play a critical, day-to-day role in the continued growth of our Health and Wellness business. Now, Walmart is making significant investments in higher wages and career progression for our pharmacy technicians – with a goal of creating additional pathways of growth and opportunity for them.”
Sources report Walmart plans to open an additional 28 new Health Centers and by 2024 have an additional 75 new locations nationwide. Walmart will be venturing into Missouri and Arizona.